I love finding family friendly films that I can feel good about, I like it even more when they are of good quality. Faith-based films are my absolute favorite. Today we watched WWJD II: The Woodcarver via Netflix streaming. There is a clip of the film at the bottom of this review.

What Would Jesus Do Nasser EntertainmentAbout the film:Matthew is a troubled boy from a broken home. When he vandalizes the
local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the
damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the
church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver
who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed.
Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church’s
beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore
their faith in God and in life.Starring: John Ratzenberger, Dakota Daulby, Anthony Harrison, Stephen E. Miller, and Nicole Oliver.My Review:Matthew's world is crumbling around him, and he is lashing out in every way he can think of. He has quit school, is withdrawn, and has destroyed church property. Ernest is a man who is still reeling from his own loss. Matthew destroyed much of what Ernest built for the church and has started working with Ernest to fix the damages on the outside of the building and the inside of his heart.

The story is done quite well with really excellent acting on all sides. From the beginning opening music to the flow of the story, I was drawn in. Sometimes a faith based film can seem rather cheaply done, poorly written or badly acted. That was entirely not the case for this film. Ernest and Matthew develop a bond immediately, and the older man helps the teen deal with the pain from his broken home and the teen and his family show the elder wood carver that God indeed has a purpose even now for his life even without his bride by his side. I would strongly recommend this film for any family member. There is a great message. It is appropriate for all ages, but in my opinion I would probably look at the age to start at around 8 or 9. This is a good time for them to get a message of deciding what Jesus would do in their own circumstances. It is a very clean film. My rating of smiles would be to definitely rate it a five out of five smiles. It is truly well done.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

**Our kitties Miles and Dizzy were looking about the window while I played around online. Aren't they cute. They take turns sitting in the window. When one is ready to move in, he makes a little yipping noise and then they trade. Last night while rewatching some episodes of Portlandia, I thought I would check out some giveaways. Here are a few that I found.Because I like ethical and sustainable products and I love to get stuff in the mail (hence my belonging to Green Mountain's Cafe Express club ---ooops sorry I digress), I am all about entering the giveaway at Blogs from a Single Mom for a three month subscription to Conscious Box. This giveaway ends on April 2. Enter here.When I found out I was hypothyroid, I discovered that there were foods that were incredibly bad for my condition. One of the foods I found I couldn't have was soy and soy products. The Weight Chronicles has a giveaway for a book called "Foods that Harm Foods that Heal." This is exactly the kind of book I need to continue in a healthy journey. This giveaway ends on April 9. You can enter here.Even though it is super easy to keep in touch with email, there is something special about getting mail. Even with prices for a stamp going up, it is pretty awesome. I vowed this year to write more letters, and I have picked up some cool note cards to make this happen. I am starting to run out, and thought that maybe this would be the perfect opportunity to go for a win. Peace Love Organic Mom has a giveaway going on right now for The Green Daisy. The prize is The Green Daisy's Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap and Thank You note card set. This giveaway is ending fast on April 3. You can enter here.

With over 27 million viewers The History Channel's "The Bible" success has been epic. My husband and I were watching an Entertainment Tonight special on it, and he said "We should pick that up when it comes out." I agreed, and then I saw a giveaway at Pawsitive Living. How could I not try? This giveaway ends on April 16. Enter here. Oh you can also attempt a win at Mama to 4 Blessings. Her giveaway ends on April 10. Enter that one here. Luanne from A Bookworm's World is also hosting a giveaway for this wonderful set. It ends on April 16. Enter here. Oh last thing...Simply Stacie is also sharing a wonderful giveaway for the series and will have two winners. Ends April 9. Enter here. I was going to stop there, but hey, Geeky Girl Reviews has a giveaway too. It ends on April 1. Enter here.This giveaway needs no explanation. It is a $50 Target gift card giveaway at The Grant Life. This giveaway ends on April 4. Enter here.Eating healthy is a real challenge for us. When we find a healthy snack substitute, we pretty much leap on it. One of the reasons I love Trader Joe's so much is the healthier snack options. The Way Better Snacks from Simply Sprouted look like a nice option and there is a giveaway going on right now for these yummy treats. Head on over to Simple Sojourns for your chance. The giveaway ends on April 8. Enter here.If you are into reading thrillers, check out A Bookworm's World and the giveaway for "Virus Thirteen" by Joshua Alan Perry. The giveaway ends on April 6. Enter here.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

**My dream foods when I am not dieting. OOOOH how I love olives. Well, I am in week four of the 5/2 diet or Fast diet.What I have learned so far:

-Spaghetti squash rocks with a little Pecorino Romano and two tablespoons of tomato paste.-Bigelow Plantation Mint is extremely helpful for taking the edge off the hunger pangs.-I REALLY LOVE COFFEE. I miss it on both of my 500 calorie days. -This diet is really completely doable.

Results thus far:Week one I went from 170 to 168Week two I went from 168 to 167 (I also had my period so losing ANYTHING was a blessing)Week three I went from 167 to 165I will weigh in on Monday to get my latest total.

So far so good. I don't feel deprived for long, and I am happy to be able to work this diet around my life. I have a pledge drive next week at the radio station which means there will be a lot of goodies in the office and a lot of eating on the fly. I am going to do my best to follow the plan. I am going to do my 500 calories on Monday so I only have to squeeze in one more 500 calorie day when I am surrounded by tons of food. :)I am comfortable with this rate of weight loss. If I lose one pound a week, I will definitely be happy. It will be a long haul, but definitely worth it.

APP MOTIVATIONIf you are looking for some extra motivation for hitting the gym, you might want to check out GYMPACT. Gympact will reward you for keeping your workout goals, but it will also cost you IF you don't. Set your fitness goals and how much you will pay for not following through. The payout is from everyone who does not follow through. Sometimes a financial loss is a good motivator. Check them out at this link. FREE SAMPLESI'm not saying you need this, but IF you do, sign up for a free sample of Flexitol Heel Balm while supplies last at this link.

I love perfume samples. They give me that perfect testing option before I ask my husband for the real deal. If you like to give perfumes a try, sign up for a free sample of Escada Cherry In The Air while supplies last at this link.

DOING GOOD FOR FREELike Sara Lee Brand's Facebook page and you will get a $1 coupon off two bread products for you and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will also be provided to a food pantry that serves people in need. That is my kind of click. Follow this link to get involved.RECIPEEaster is almost here and if ham is on your menu, you just might have some leftovers you would like to parlay into something tasty. One of my favorite things to do is make Senate Restaurant Bean Soup or Bean Soup (you can utilize extra mashed potatoes for it). The recipes I am going to link to calls for dried navy beans but dried white beans work just as well. It is a great way to get every bit of good out of your leftover ham dinner. Follow this link to the recipes.FREE MUSICHead over to New Release Tuesday for six free downloads and also for a free preview of Hawk Nelson's new album "Made" which releases on April 2nd. FreeCCM has five free downloads including an oldie from Addison Road called "Where It All Begins."

FREE EBOOKS (Keep in mind these books were free at the time of my posting. Always check the price before downloading)The Truth of the Cross by RC Sproul (AMAZON)The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM) (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

For fun I entered some giveaways today. Take a gander, you might see something you would like to enter too. :)Get your chance to win a $50 AMEX gift card via L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur (ooooh yummy stuff) and Woman Tribune! It may be my age, but this is definitely my kind of giveaway and L'Oreal has always had my kind of products. This giveaway ends on April 1st. Enter here.

I am continually trying to improve my life and make better choices that are not just good for the family but also the environment so when I saw a great giveaway at Peace Love Organic Mom for a three month subscription to The Conscious Box, I simply could not pass it up. This giveaway ends on April 8. Enter here. If you want another chance, you can try your hand at The Mama Report who has the same giveaway ending on April 6. Enter that here.

We love flowers in my house, but the one thing we don't love is they soon pass away. The idea of getting some flowers that look good and taste good...not a bad trade off. Oh, and the flowers look like cookies. Well, there you go, I'm in. Cookie Gift Baskets has a giveaway for some divine flower cookies. Can you imagine how great it would be to get that delivery? This giveaway ends on April 7. Enter here.I love coconut oil. I cook with it often, and man it is amazing for popping popcorn. Like beyond amazing! I even have tried their peanut butter with coconut oil. Another excellent product. Tropical Traditions is hosting a giveaway at Mom's Plans for a tub of their fantastic Gold Label Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. If you have always wanted to try coconut oil or if you are already a firm lover, you should enter the giveaway. Hurry though it ends on March 27. Enter here.When I was in seventh grade, our required reading was The Hobbit. I was immediately in love. I shared this love with my son and read it to him as he grew up. When the Lord of the Rings trilogy came out, I wished for The Hobbit, and I was delighted when it came in. And now...here it is available on BluRay and The Mama Report has a giveaway for it! The giveaway ends on March 30th so hurry. Enter here.When I lived in New England, one of my favorite things to do was to take road trips and pick up handmade soaps. I was wrapped up both in location and just enjoying the unique scents and combinations people came up with. I don't get that opportunity like I once did, but when possible I will snatch them up. Needless to day when I saw that Plucky' Second Thought was hosting a giveaway of some amazing handmade soap from Rachael's Soaps I had to enter. You should too. The giveaway ends on March 29. You can enter here.

We often take impromptu visits in town and like to sit on the grounds of the square. Seeing the review of Monkey Mats at Thanks Mail Carrier made me realize that I need to get one of these things. They are perfect for that quick sit down and sized just right. Not only is there a great review but also a $35 Amazon gift card giveaway. Don't miss out. Giveaway ends on April 9. Enter here. I have no good excuse for entering the Edwards pie giveaway other than, man I love pie! Free pie is even better. Thanks Mail Carrier has a giveaway for a coupon for a free yummy pie. This giveaway ends on April 4. Enter here.

If you like animation and have yet to see The Croods, sign up for the giveaway at Sippy Cup Mom. There is a great prize pack including a coloring book, sweet stuffed animal and a $25 Visa gift card to go see the film. This giveaway ends on March 31. Enter here.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Today's film review is not one I would put in a family friendly slot. It is however faith based.

Movie Review - Revelation Road: The Beginning of the EndPure Flix EntertainmentStarring - David A. R. White, Brian Bosworth, Eric Roberts, Andrea Logan White, Jen Lilley, and Steve "Sting" BordenAbout the film (from Amazon) - Where were you when the world ended? Josh McManus, a traveling
salesman with a history of violence, was passing through a dusty West
Texas town. The right man at the wrong time, Josh foiled a robbery
perpetrated by The Barbarians, an outlaw biker gang led by a vicious man
named Hawg.Then it happened. An unnatural flash in the sky, followed by a
crippling series of earthquakes, throws the entire world into chaos. Is
it the long-awaited event called The Rapture? Josh doesn’t care. His
only goal is to get home to his family, but he’ll have to fight his way
through the Barbarians to do so. It will be a dangerous journey to the
very center of his soul.

My Review - Revelation Road: The Beginning of the End is just that a beginning of at the very least a two-part movie series from Pure Flix Entertainment. The viewer gets the opportunity to meet Josh, a traveling salesman with a secret but obviously destructive past. You can see early on that Josh has the capability to go a little unhinged when necessary but you can also see that this is not a side of himself that he entertains. We also meet a pretty rough biker gang who have a charismatic leader named Hawg. The gang has no problem with messing with people, stealing and eliminating witnesses, but they do have a problem with Joshua when he gets in their way. You can tell Joshua has a past, but it changed dramatically when he met his wife. Or at least that is what Josh thought until he sees how easy it really is to slip back into his old skill set. Can a person really change? If tackling that question isn't enough for Josh, it seems there are a lot of energy spikes, thunder storms and other natural phenomenon taking place to keep him on his toes and at the very least distracted. As the description implies, there is an end coming. Revelation Road: The Beginning of the End is a great start. I found myself wishing for more which is a good thing since there is a sequel on the way. I have found myself enjoying most of the films that Pure Flix Entertainment has put out, and look forward to seeing where this will go. I hope I don't have to wait too long. The sequel is titled Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire.Since I typically share family friendly film reviews, I do want to give the age range I would be comfortable with as far as seeing this film. Because of some violence I would suggest going no younger than 13 to 14 years old. It isn't chock full of violence, but there are some moments. I would suggest watching it first and then deciding. Out of my smile rating, I'd give this 4 out of 5 smiles. All in all, I think it was executed really well. I watched this film via Netflix instant streaming. Talk about an awesome score! I hope that Netflix continues to show Christian focused films. If they do, I will keep watching.

Friday, March 15, 2013

**Miles watching another stray cat that hangs out on occasion on our porch.

A while back I shared how we adopted this sweet little stray cat. He had been coming to our deck in the dead of winter seeking food and taking advantage of a shelter I built for him. When I noticed he had a pretty rough looking wound on his hip, I had to take him to the vet.We named him Miles Eastwood. Miles in appreciation on my son's behalf for Miles O'Brien from Star Trek The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine as well as in reference to the miles that he has traveled as a stray cat. I threw in Eastwood because all my cats have middle names to fit other parts of their personalities. Eastwood is because you can look at Miles and just not know what he is thinking. He could be happy. He could be sad. He could be annoyed. It all looks the same for the most part. In short...Miles is loveable but a very gnarly cat.After numerous vet visits, medications, and snuggles, Miles was finally healed from his outward injuries and began to get accustomed to the home life. After being with us for a month, he was able to finally get to know our other cat Diz, and all seemed to be going well. But lately, he is very talkative and whiney (especially in the evening which I believe might be a good kitty hunting time). Miles will cry at the front door, whine at the back door, and occasionally even paw at both. I have told him (not that he gets what I'm saying) that he is part of our family now and that we will take care of him. I remind him that there are coyotes outside and that he had a horrible wound from the past (not to mention several missing teeth). I hope that eventually he gets it. It is kind of funny, but when discussing his actions with a co-worker, I realized that I can be a lot like Miles. I lived in my own wilderness and carry scars from my past. But I have been adopted into the family of God. I don't want to run back to the life that is behind me, but I do often slip into trying to do it all on my own. Not easy. I don't have to do it on my own. I can give my problems to God and know he will help see me through them. I can let His strength take me through my own weaknesses. He will never leave me nor forsake me (paraphrase of part of Hebrews 13:5) and I can hold on to the truth in His word that says : For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13 It is my turn to keep in mind that God is with me and live more like it. :)

Sunday, March 10, 2013

It has been a crazy busy time and I am so glad to have finally had the opportunity to enjoy a nice family friendly film. I try to purchase family friendly films when I have the opportunity and try also to focus on those with faith-based messages, but being family friendly is good on any level. The movie following I watched via Netflix Instant Streaming.

JohnnyPure Flix EntertainmentStarring - Mel Fair, Lee Majors, Jerry Phillips, Aubryn Cole, Musetta VanderAbout the film: Johnny is an inspirational family story about loss and how one young
boy's mission, before he is called to heaven, makes a difference for a
family struggling to find their way back after a tragedy devastates
them. When Dr. Drew Carter (Mel Fair) tragically lost his ten year old
son in a car accident while his wife Julia (Musetta Vander) was driving,
he didn't expect to lose his whole family as well. Since the accident,
Julia is emotionally absent from Drew and their daughter Kayla (Aubyn
Cole). When Dr. Miller (Lee Majors) refers Johnny (Jerry Phillips), a
foster child with leukemia, to Drew the wheels start to turn as he sees a
chance to heal his family.Johnny doesn't know what he is in for,
but is convinced he's there for a special mission; a mission revealed
when he enters Dr. Carter's world. This film shines brightly with hope
and will move your heart and soul with its message of redemption,
salvation and forgiveness."Dove Family Approved" from The Dove Foundation. Awarded 5 out of 5 Doves and recommended for ages 12+.My review - Johnny is a story about damage and about purpose. Even the lives that are here for just a short time have a purpose set by God. Johnny has an aggressive form of leukemia. If there was ever a prognosis that wasn't good, it is Johnny's. Although Johnny is fully aware of his situation, He has an outlook on life that is amazing. He memorizes words of scripture, holds onto and shares God's promises, and knows that no matter what God has a purpose for his life. He is completely open to God's will. He has complete faith in God which he shares openly and bravely.Dr. Carter and his family take him in. His daughter who has been suffering from a mom who is mentally and emotionally absent from her and her father's life is excited about having Johnny in her home. He is funny and kind. She opens up her home and heart to him and God right away. Dr. Carter has opened his heart and listens to Johnny. He enjoys the child's company a great deal and gains a new insight. Sadly his wife Julia is not ready for Johnny to live with them. She deals with the decision her husband has made, but her heart is so torn up. There is no room in her life for this boy when her heart is still torn to shreds over the loss of her son. She has no interest in attaching to another child especially when that child is knocking at death's door.Things that stood out to me:Setting - I cannot mention this film without saying how much I enjoyed the setting. I do not know where it was filmed, but I was ready to move there. Combine green grass and an ocean with some pretty blue skies...take me away.Characters -I loved that the characters were flawed but real. Certainly you aren't going to run into Johnny every day, but there are people just like him everywhere. People who are facing deep trials but shining God's love to others. Now some, like Johnny, may have an illness that is obvious to the eye, but others have circumstances that you may never know of, but they love with all they have rather than let the pain get them down. They know that God has a purpose for their lives. I liked that there was realism in the family dynamic. Mom was really struggling. Her husband brings this sweet kid home, and she is just wigged out. She is in real pain over her loss. Pain that she is told she needs to move on from. That is not an easy thing to do. It was realistic that not everyone is just ready to paint rainbows and find happy ever after, because life is not always happy ever after and many of us also have a pain that we are still clinging to. This doesn't mean we should be clinging to our pain, but it does happen.

Actors -Great job with all. Loved the child actors. They were incredible. Loved seeing Lee Majors in a Christian film too.Final thought -Johnny is a sweet story about forgiveness of self and others. It is sometimes breezy and easy but it also has very serious moments. Will it tug at your heart? Yes. Will it inspire you? Absolutely. I did say it is family friendly, but I would definitely have a family viewing starting at about age 8 or 9 with the kiddos. I have a smile rating and I would give this one 4.5 smiles out of 5. :)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

***Dinner for my first "diet day." I like really mixing it up so I used a larger salad bowl.The scale has been driving me mad. I lost quite a bit of weight about a year ago, and I have put it all...yes that is right ALL back on. In other words, I am not a happy camper. I am hypothyroid so it takes some serious effort on my part to lose weight. I do the gym and try to watch what I eat, but I need a big boost. The other day, my boss and I were sharing or commiserating about this weight issue when she told me about the 5:2 diet. She only heard a little bit about it, but after she explained it, I decided to look into it further. Here is a link to some of the info I got via the Telegraph. Basically the diet involves eating normally for five days and eating only 500 calories for two days. From what I read the two 500 calorie days do not have to be consecutive. I was immediately excited. I have gone on detox cleanses for a full day without eating anything and only drinking the cleanse. I could totally do this, especially when it meant that the other five days I could still enjoy regular food. This is only day three for me and it is the first day of my 500 calories. I initially planned to eat normally except for Tuesday and Thursday. One of our volunteers told me on Monday that her mom is going to make some special treats for us at work so I am pushing the 500 calorie day to either Friday or Saturday. That is definitely one of the things I like about this diet. You can plan this diet around your life instead of your life around the diet. Of course, I have no idea about results yet, but I'm thinking positive.I wont get overly specific into my normal eating days simply because I didn't pay that much attention but let's see for now.I'm drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. I am not noting that.

SundayBreakfast - Toast with half butter and half peanut butter (I had to eat fast because we had to get to church)Two cups of coffee with cream and sugarLunch -Taco salad on romaine lettuce with Doritos (lots of salsa a dab of sour cream and cheddar cheese ground beef and black beans)Glass of pink grapefruit juice (I am addicted to the stuff)Dinner -Leftover Farfalle with meat sauceGlass of pink grapefruit juiceThree Newman Os (yummers!)

MondayBreakfast -Slimfast shake (I don't like eating right away so these are great to mix up and take to work)Two cups of coffee with cream and sugar Lunch -Lean Cuisine Fajita style chicken spring rolls (3)Snack -Two tablespoons of sunflower seeds raw1 Snickerdoodle (one of our volunteers brought in some homemade yummies)Dinner -Spring mix salad with carrots, radishes, peppers, and two chicken strips on the side with Franks Red Hot Sauce and some blue cheese dressing (my weakness)Two mini lemon cakes from Costco (maybe the equivalent of a cupcake)Tuesday FIRST 500 dayBreakfast -One hard boiled eggOne cup of Lipton tea (had to keep the caffeine up without my coffee)Lunch -Cup of organic dehydrated split pea soup (souped up with hot water)One cup of Lipton teaSnack - One Babybel LightThree pecan halvesDinner -Spring mix salad with tuna, olives (8), tomato and lemonHot Lipton Blackberry tea My thoughts so far...I TOTALLY WANT PEANUT BUTTER! Funny thing is, day to day I do not want peanut butter. I can take it or leave it. Put me on a diet and I want it all! I am really looking forward to indulging in a spoonful tomorrow or some peanut butter on toast. Of course tomorrow, I can have it. So I probably wont want it.

Weight start - 170 (ick) I will post the newest weight next week. Here's hoping that there is a change.

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I am a child of God who is in love with her Lord, family and life. I enjoy reading, writing and finding ways to be thrifty and frugal. I have been married for a little over five years to the love of my life. I love the lost and lonely, and often want to open my home to everyone. So far I have to stick to stray cats. I am a wanna-be gardener and dream of one day having a nice little square foot garden. Not easy when your thumb is certified dark black, but I'm having some results with basil. We'll see how it all goes.